Tragedy struck Kagumo Trading Centre in Kirinyaga Central Constituency on Monday night as a fire claimed the lives of two young children.
The incident occurred around 8 pm, with flames engulfing a cluster of wooden houses.
The victims, aged 4 months and 4 years, were burnt beyond recognition, leaving the community in shock and mourning.
The children’s mother had gone to the market to purchase supper when the fire broke out.
Upon her return, she found her home and the lives of her children consumed by the blaze.
The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, but authorities have launched an investigation to determine its origins.
Efforts to combat the fire were met with significant challenges.
Residents of Kagumo, alongside firefighters from the County Government of Kirinyaga, struggled to contain the flames.
The fire quickly spread among the tightly packed wooden structures, reducing over 20 rented homes to ashes.
Jane Wanjiku, a local resident, confirmed the tragic loss of the two children and noted that several families were left homeless by the disaster.
David Kinyua Wangui, the Member of County Assembly (MCA) for the area, arrived at the scene shortly after the fire broke out.
He expressed his condolences to the affected families and called for urgent assistance.
“We are appealing for help as they have slept in the cold,” Kinyua said, highlighting the immediate need for shelter and support for the displaced families.
Kirinyaga County Commissioner Hussein Alasow provided further details on the incident, stating that the fire started in one of the houses before rapidly spreading to neighboring structures.
He assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway to uncover the cause of the fire.
“The cause of the fire has not yet been established. We have launched investigations,” Alasow stated.
The charred remains of the two young victims were transported to Kerugoya Mortuary.
The community of Kagumo Trading Centre is now grappling with the aftermath of the fire, as many families face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives from scratch.
Local leaders and residents are rallying together to support those affected, but the need for external aid remains pressing.
This devastating incident underscores the vulnerability of communities living in densely packed wooden housing and highlights the critical need for improved fire safety measures.
As the investigation continues, the residents of Kagumo Trading Centre hope for answers and support to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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